MTSA encourages and supports job-related training that can enhance an employee’s value to MTSA and keep the employee up to date in knowledge, technologies, and skills such that the individual improves their job skills for a higher level of performance.
All full-time employees in good standing at MTSA (not under any disciplinary or probationary plan) are eligible to apply for educational assistance on or after the first anniversary of the individual’s full-time employment date at MTSA. Temporary and part-time employees are not eligible for the educational assistance program.
To qualify for educational assistance consideration, the course(s) must be job-related and must be offered by a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The courses must earn degree credits toward an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or technical degree unless otherwise approved by Executive Administration and the Office of Human Resources.
To apply for educational assistance consideration, the employee must meet the eligibility requirement and the course must begin after the employee has met the eligibility requirements, including the one (1) year service requirement and while the employee is actively employed by MTSA.
The course must be pre-approved in writing by the employee’s supervisor and by the Office of Human Resources.
MTSA does not pay for the time that the employee spends attending classes, performing homework, or pursuing specific courses. It does not cover books and supplies, lab fees, transportation, or any expenses other than pre-approved educational assistance for professional training development.
MTSA will reimburse employees at the conclusion of a successfully completed course, pursuant to the following schedule:
- Maximum reimbursement, regardless of the institution providing the credit, will be no greater than the average tuition charged at a state institution in Tennessee.
- For a 3.5 or higher-grade point average, MTSA will reimburse 100% of the tuition cost.
- For a 3.0 to 3.49 grade point average, MTSA will reimburse 75% of the tuition cost.
To receive educational assistance, the employee must earn at a minimum a grade of “C”; or if the course is a “pass/fail” grading system, the employee must earn a “pass” grade.
After completing an approved course, application and supporting documentation for educational assistance should be submitted in a timely basis through the employee’s supervisor. Educational assistance documentation must be submitted no later than forty-five (45) days after a course is completed.
Application for Pre-Approval
Employees must obtain pre-approval for tuition reimbursement using the Educational Coursework Request form. This approval must be in writing from the employee and approved by executive administration.
Application for Reimbursement Upon Completion of Course
Upon completion of the pre-approved course, the employee must submit a copy of the official transcript of grades and proof of payment (where applicable).
Doctoral Education Tuition Reimbursement
Employees receiving educational assistance from MTSA for doctoral studies will sign a formal agreement to work for the school for one (1) year for every year of tuition sponsorship (1:1 ratio). If the employee ceases to work for MTSA prior to the completion of the agreed upon time, and the cessation of employment is initiated by the employee, then the employee agrees to personally repay the pro-rata amount unamortized.
To apply for Educational Assistance, please complete Educational Assistance Application.